Printed Tuesday, June 18, 2013


Michigan state troopers armed with tear gas guard Capitol as right-to-work battle rages

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michigan State Police cruisers line the pedestrian walkway west of the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Monday.
Michigan State Police cruisers line the pedestrian walkway west of the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Monday.
LANSING, Mich. — State troopers armed with tear gas canisters, pepper spray and batons are among dozens of officers guarding the Capitol in Lansing as the right-to-work battle heats up in Michigan.

About 20 troopers alone were assembled in front the House chamber doors on Tuesday as protesters gathered in the rotunda area and hallways in anticipation that lawmakers would finalize divisive right-to-work legislation.

Stomping protesters chanted, “No justice. No Peace” and “Shut it down.”

Several of the troopers in front of the House doors were armed with tear gas canisters, pepper spray and batons.

Majority Republicans muscled right-to-work legislation through the House and Senate in a single day last week and were expected to take final action Tuesday. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has vowed to sign it.